Earlier this week, California lifted its safer at home orders, clearing the way for restaurants, and various types of attractions and businesses to return to some level of operation.
For Disneyland, that means restaurants will begin seating customers outside and capacity in Downtown Disney and its shops can marginally increase. We have news for you today on which restaurants have announced their reopening plans at Disneyland and other SoCal attractions, as well as information on which theme parks, zoos, etc. are planning their reopening (many this weekend).
And, as a bonus item, we have photos of the soon to open Star Wars Trading Post in Downtown Disney’s old Rainforest Cafe.
Disneyland Resort Restaurant Reopenings
A couple hundred Disneyland service workers and Downtown Disney restaurant participant partners have been receiving calls to return to work. The Disneyland employees will receive updated safety training on January 31st and are expected to be serving customers again by February 4th. Many of the non-Disney owned establishments are reopening today (Saturday, January 30th) with others planning a return in the days that follow.
Here are the restaurants we know are returning and the dates they will be available (you can already reserve dining on Disneyland.com for many establishments:
- Earl of Sandwich
The sandwich shop in Downtown Disney never closed. However, all purchases had to be taken to eat off Disney property. The tables on their patio have already reopened for guest use. No reservations needed.
- Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Jazz Kitchen plans to reopen on Monday, February 1st.
- Catal’s Uva Bar
Catal’s outdoor Uva Bar is returning this weekend as well.
- Tortilla Jo’s
Another January 30th return. Reservations now available.
- Ballast Point
Reopening today (January 30th). Reservations are strongly suggested as this establishment has a small outdoor dining patio.
- Black Tap
Patio dining returns today (January 30th).
- Naples Ristorante e Bar
Pasta lovers will be happy to see this one on the list for January 30th. They also have the largest outdoor patio for guest seating.
- Quick serve at Jazz Kitchen, Jamba, and Wetzel’s Pretzels remain open, and other quick service options (hot dogs, churros, macarons, drinks) are available from outdoor vending carts throughout Downtown Disney.
Guests are now allowed to safely pull themselves aside to remove their masks and consume their food and beverage on property. They are advised to promptly replace their masks as soon as possible and not to eat while walking around.
It’s one small step toward a resumption of the previous Buena Vista Street/Downtown Disney operations. We should be hearing about even more restaurant reopenings soon.
Buena Vista Street
Disney-Owned Carthay Circle Restaurant, Smoke Jumpers, and Award Weiners will reopen soon. We’ll update you as soon as the date is official, but we have heard that February 4th is a likely date for many Disney establishments. Various food and beverage carts are already available to guests in California Adventure.
One thing that doesn’t look like it will be reopening soon is the Fiddler, Fifer, and Practical Cafe (Starbucks) on Buena Vista Street. We’re not sure if it’s just delayed or wasn’t busy enough in the first round to reopen again this time around.
Buena Vista Street’s outdoor vending carts have been stocked with popcorn, cotton candy, drinks, and other snacks. Tables for consuming your purchases are available again near the Grizzly Peak waterfall and scattered about the area.
Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Outdoor Dining Returns This Saturday
Knott’s Berry Farm also has a big return today. Their ever-popular Mrs. Knott’s Chicken Dinner Restaurant reopens today (January 30th) for outdoor dining. And Chicken-To-Go customers will also be able to claim a spot at an outdoor picnic area to eat their meals.
Most Knott’s Marketplace shops have remained open for customers. We await word on when Knott’s will resume their popular “Taste of” food festivals. But it shouldn’t be too much longer.
Aquarium of the Pacific
The outdoor exhibits at the beautiful Long Beach Aquarium will reopen today (Sat Jan 30). Since so much of the Aquarium remains closed, tickets to see the outdoor sections are deeply discounted.
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s outdoor exhibits will reopen on Saturday, January 30, in accordance with state health orders. Please visit https://t.co/PecPM8m2mS to book your visit now! pic.twitter.com/uU6osk2ZZ8
— Aquarium of the Pacific ? (@AquariumPacific) January 26, 2021
San Diego Zoo & Safari Park
This one makes us particularly happy. You can have a wild outdoor walk at both of San Diego’s zoos starting today (January 30th). While they will accept annual passes, you do need an advance reservation, as attendance is limited.
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SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld will reopen in zoo-mode on February 6th with outdoor shows and exhibits open, as well as various dining options. However, no rides or indoor exhibits will be open. Admission is included for Pass Holders and Fun Card holders but advance reservations are required.
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We bought zoo passes during the pandemic just to have a nice spot to take a walk. If you avoid the most popular display windows, you’ll find it easy to stay away from other guests. Often times finding vast stretches of the parks which are completely unpopulated.
Star Wars Trading Post Nears Reopening
Meanwhile, back at Disneyland, a new Star Wars Trading Post is about to take over the old Rainforest Cafe building on the west end of Downtown Disney. Exterior decorations make it look like a convincing rebel base.
Decor went up this week and a new sign was just installed (though it is covered for now). Disney hasn’t given an opening date, but it should be coming very soon.
Star Wars details have been added to the top of the tallest tower:
As well as various satellite dishes.
At the entry, control panels have been affixed to the columns.
Once the new trading post opens, it will free up Wonderground Gallery to return to its old spot, but with a new mix of merchandise, housewares, and artwork.
Video From Downtown Disney
We visited Downtown Disney in the rain yesterday to check things out for you. You’ll see video of the upcoming Star Wars Trading Post, soon to reopen restaurants, and Buena Vista Street operations:
Alternate Downtown Disney Parking
MiceChat makes parking and accessing the Disneyland Resort easier with a new spring parking offer. You can now park at the Anaheim Hotel on Harbor Blvd (just across from the Guardians of the Galaxy Tower) and walk across the street to Disneyland.
The new offer is good 7 days a week through April. Just show the image below at the front desk for all-day parking privileges.
Disney Vacation Savings Plan With Discounts!
(Discount Theme Park Tickets and Travel Packages)
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NEW VACATION SAVINGS PLAN WITH PERKS!!! Want to start saving for a big family vacation but aren’t sure where or when you’ll be ready to go? Get Away Today has created a plan which rewards you for saving up for your trip now. Place as little as $200 down and get free travel protection, travel credits, and more! Learn more and start saving now HERE!
Let’s Hear From You!
That’s a lot of new things for one weekend. We highly recommend checking with establishments before heading out to see if they require a reservation, currently have capacity available for guests, and what their hours of operations are. It’s possible that many of these locations will quickly fill to their currently severely-limited capacity.